In 2005 there was a massive influx of Great Gray Owls into the northern United States. Normally this species inhabits the boreal forests of Canada and northern United States where it feeds primarily on voles. Vole populations are cyclic and crash every so often, which forces these owls to travel south to find food.

I had heard about how tame these owls were given they inhabit remote areas and do not have much contact with people. I was thrilled to be able to get full frame images of these birds with just a 70-200mm lens. They are very charismatic and exciting to see in the field and provided me with an experience I will not forget. If you ever have the opportunity to seem them in the wild, I highly recommend it.